JOHN A. CROWDER lives on section 15, Marrowbone Township, Moultrie County, and is a son of Robert and Barbara (Prather) Crowder. He was born in Marrowbone Township, November 11, 1847. He received his early training on the home farm and in the common schools, and in May, 1864, when in his seventeenth year, and weighing one hundred and nine pounds, he enlisted in the late war and was mustered out with Company I, One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois Infantry, October, 1864, on account of expiration of time, he having enlisted for three months. In January, 1865, he reenlisted in Company A, and served until September. In the spring of 1867 he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Emily E. Kennedy, a daughter of James C. Kennedy, who was born in this county. He then settled on a farm on section 14, where he resided for five years. He then purchased a portion of his present farm and settled on the same. His wife died November 15, 1888, leaving nine children — Artie L., Oscar W., Leora A., John B. C., Emily Edith, Athol S., Ida M., James G. and Cora M. August 8, 1889, Mr. Crowder was married a second time to Viola A. Roberts, daughter of Thomas A. and Louisa G. Roberts, of Whitley Township. They have had one child, who is deceased.

Mr. Crowder owns two hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, on which he has very fine improvements. His politics are with the Republicans. He has held many local offices, in which he not only did credit to himself but his party. Religiously he is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellows' society and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Crowder is interested in stock-raising and is a dealer in live stock. He is now giving a good deal of attention to horse-flesh, and has a number of imported horses on his farm.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 681/682

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb